"Keep on Holding Fast What You Have"/PHILADELPHIA - "An Opened Door"

 In 1919 Jesus fulfilled his promise and recognized the small band of genuine anointed Christians as his "faithful and discreet slave."  (Matthew 24:45-47) These entered into a privilege similar to that enjoyed by the faithful steward Eliakim in the time of King Hezekiah.  Jehovah said of Eliakim: "I will put  the key of the house of David upon his shoulder, and he must open without anyone's shutting, and he must shut without anyone's opening."  Eliakim shouldered heavy responsibilities for Hezekiah, the royal son of David.  Similarly today, the anointed John class has had  "the key of the house of David" put upon his shoulder in that it has been entrusted with the earthly interests of the Messianic Kingdom. Jehovah has strengthened his servants for this privilege, boosting their little power into dynamic energy sufficient for a gigantic global witness.  -  ISAIAH 22:20, 22; 40:29. 

From 1919 onward the anointed remnant, following Jesus' example, launched into a vigorous campaign of declaring abroad the good news of the Kingdom.  (Matthew 4:17; Romans 10:18)  a result,  some of the modern synagogue of Satan, Christendom, came to this anointed remnant, repented and 'bowed down,' acknowledging the slave's authority.  They too came to serve Jehovah in union with the older ones of the John class.  This continued  until the full number of Jesus' anointed brothers was gathered.  Following this, "a great crowd . . . out of all nations" has come to "bow down" to the anointed   slave.  (Revelation 7:3, 4, 9) Today, the slave and this great crowd serve as the one flock of Jehovah's Witnesses. 

United like the Christians in Philadelphia in a bond of genuine brotherly affection, Jehovah's Witnesses today appreciate that their work of preaching must be done urgently.  Soon, the great tribulation will ring down the curtain on Satan's wicked world.  At that time, may each of us be found strong in the faith and active in God's service, so that our names will not be blotted out of Jehovah's book of life.  (Revelation 7:14) Let us take very seriously Jesus' admonition to the congregation in Philadelphia so that we may hold fast to our service and privileges and attain to the reward of everlasting life.

Next time: "Keep on Holding Fast What You Have"/PHILADELPHIA - The Conqueror's Blessings

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